New TB vaccine fails to protect newborns

LONDON -- The world's most advanced tuberculosis vaccine failed to protect babies against the infectious disease, according to a new study in South Africa.

The vaccine, MVA85A, was designed to improve protection from the only existing tuberculosis vaccine, BCG, routinely given to newborns. Though the new vaccine appeared safe, scientists found no proof it prevented tuberculosis, an airborne disease that kills more than 1 million people worldwide every year.

Previous tests of the vaccine in adults had been promising and researchers said the trial provided useful data to inform future studies. A dozen other TB vaccines are being tested.

Some health officials were discouraged by the results.

"It's pretty disappointing," said Dr. Jennifer Cohn, a medical coordinator at Doctors Without Borders who was not part of the study. "Infants are at really high risk of TB but this doesn't seem to offer them any protection."